RHODE ISLAND JOSEPH G.E. KNIGHT AWARD FOR ENTREPRENEURIAL EXCELLENCE

2022 RHODE ISLAND JOSEPH G.E. KNIGHT AWARD FOR ENTREPRENEURIAL EXCELLENCE

SCORE RHODE ISLAND IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE the Joseph G.E. Knight Award winner for 2022 is Katherine (Katy) Westcott, Founder and Owner of Katrinkles, Inc. Over the past 8 years, Katy has gone from being a sole proprietor doing craft/hobby work from her home, to running a business with over $500K in annual revenue, supported by 11 employees.

Katy graduated from RISD’s Jewelry and Metalsmithing department, worked as a goldsmith in New York City, and later designed costume jewelry in Rhode Island. One day on a lunch break, a coworker showed her how to crochet, which quickly expanded to knitting, sewing, weaving, and spinning wool. As with many hobbyists, making things for herself turned into making things for others. She then turned her hobby into a business and now a passion.

On the journey from a hobbyist to a self-funded company, Katy leveraged a wide range of free business support services, including: • Small business workshops organized by the SBA in conjunction with the Pawtucket Chamber of Commerce; • Workshops organized through the Cranston Chamber of Commerce, the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce, and the Center for Women & Enterprise; • The SCORE Mentor program (beginning in 2019); and • Polaris MEP.

Beyond the pride that she must have for her company’s success and her personal success, Katy has benefited others in her community as the business has grown. Her business is supporting crafters with high quality buttons and tools for their projects. Her goods are made locally from durable locally-sourced hardwoods like cherry and birch, and they are finished by hand, giving each piece unique character. From design to production, all Katrinkles products are made in-house by her dedicated team. She and her staff are crafters and artisans themselves, so they know that the right tool can be an inspiration. Simply put, Katrinkles’ goal is to provide the best tools and materials so that crafters can do their best work.

Katrinkles began in the corner of a loft apartment in Pawtucket in 2012. Given the business’ popularity and growth, it moved multiple times, leading to its current home in the Union Paper building in Providence, where five laser machines and ten people work in 2,200 square feet. As her revenue increased, her production volume and working space expanded, as well as her staff. Since 2019, Katrinkles has provided health insurance and retirement benefits for employees similar to much larger companies. But there is more to the story!

Katrinkles is a woman-owned business that is proud to prioritize using American manufacturers for its supplies and use sustainable materials. Katy has contributed money to numerous charitable causes including Raices, AS220, the Southern Law Poverty Center, the American Civil Liberties Union, Planned Parenthood, the New England Youth Sheep Show, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, Farm Fresh Rhode Island, Heifer International, and more.

The story of Katy Westcott is not just a story about an amazing woman with a vision: it is also a story about values, perseverance and a commitment to ensure that our communities are positively impacted. “Katy and her team have been an inspiration to our Chapter, growing through the challenges of COVID and building a business that serves customers all over the world,” said SCORE chapter co-chair Jim Mutschler. “We expect she will continue to expand and be a great model for how to leverage all the wonderful services and resources available to small business owners,” he added.

KATHERINE (KATY) WESTCOTT

Founder and Owner, Katrinkles, Inc.

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’S UPCOMING EVENTS

MAY 25 | PROVIDENCE MARRIOTT | NOON-2PM

PBN honors the success of women in a variety of industries and recognizes younger, professional women to watch as well as industry leaders. A career achiever and outstanding mentor are also honored. #PBNBWAawards

JUNE 8 | CROWNE PLAZA | 5:30-8PM

Celebrate the state’s best employers, who are selected based on extensive employee surveys and feedback reports from Best Companies Group. #PBNBPTWawards ★WORK RI BESTPLACES TO

2022

AWARDS

JULY 21 | ALDRICH MANSION | 5:30-8PM

Recognizes forty men and women, under the age of 40, who are successful in their careers and involved in their communities. #PBN40UnderFortyAwards

AUGUST 4 | PROVIDENCE MARRIOTT | NOON-2PM

Healthiest Employers in Rhode Island recognizes employers who have implemented worksite Health & Wellness programs and have shown a commitment to employee health and safety. #PBNHealthiestEmployers.

of Rhode Island 2022 AWARDS